My loyal blog readers will recall the two Disney Robin Hood comic strips featured over the years. Below is the first version, published in the Belgian Mickey Magazine in the 1950s.
Publicity Still
A publicity still featuring Richard Todd as Robin Hood and Joan Rice as Maid Marian—one of the very first items in my collection.
Televised World Premiere
 |
| Joan Rice arriving at the Leicester Square Theatre for the world premiere of "Robin Hood |
An article in 'The Motion Picture Herald' of April-June 1952:
British Premiere For Disney's 'Robin Hood'
by PETER BURNUP
LONDON: Two other American companies here—RKO Radio and Republic—were quick to match the gauntlets thrown down by Metro and Paramount in their "Quo Vadis" and "Greatest Show on Earth" challenge; much to the satisfaction of lesser fry like theatre men in remoter places. They're all convinced now of the virtue of keeping the folks talking.
Maybe RKO had the stiffer stint with two big charity premieres within a week in London's West End. (The pictures were Disney's "Robin Hood"—Leicester Square theatre, March 13—and David E. Rose's "Saturday Island"—Odeon, at Leicester Square, March 17.)
The "Robin Hood" show was a brilliant climax to six months' planning and plugging. All the civic dignitaries of the ancient city of Nottingham—the operational base of Britain's legendary bandit—came to London for the performance. It was a flower-decked decorative occasion with linkmen dressed as Sherwood Foresters and usherettes as Maid Marions. The BBC's television crew filmed the entire foyer fiesta for broadcast throughout England the following night.
Implemented Publicity
Since the introduction of newsprint rationing early in the last war. Other magazine editorial space has been grabbed on its behalf. The BBC set aside 30 minutes for a recording which was made of the picture's opening on March 17. Another BBC programme will be devoted to the film's background music on the day of the opening.
Photo Caption:
Joan Rice, star of the film, arriving at the Leicester Square Theatre for the world premiere of "Robin Hood" in London. Some of the "Merrie Men" can be seen in the background.
Walt meets the King and Archbishop
On 24 June 1951, Walt Disney visited the sound stages at Denham Studios and the location sets at Burnham Beeches during the production of his second live-action feature, The Story of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men. His visit was covered by Reuters. In this photograph, Walt is pictured with Anthony Eustel, who portrayed the Archbishop of Canterbury, and Patrick Barr, who played King Richard.
Signed Robin Hood LP
John Nelson recently sent me details of an eBay USA auction for a purportedly signed copy of the LP Walt Disney Presents The Story of Robin Hood on Disneyland Records, believed to be the 1963 soundtrack release (catalogue no. DQ-1249).
The inscription on the front cover appears to read, "With Best Wishes, Walt Disney." Although the signature's authenticity has yet to be established, the record was listed at £223.31. Unfortunately, I have been unable to determine the final selling price. My own copy, regrettably, is unsigned!
Richard Todd & The Major Oak
Richard Todd visited the Major Oak in Sherwood Forest in 1951 as part of his preparation for the role of Robin Hood in Walt Disney's The Story of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men. While the film was ultimately shot at Burnham Beeches and Denham Studios in Buckinghamshire, Todd's visit to the legendary tree was featured in the promotional film The Riddle of Robin Hood, which shows him climbing into its ancient branches.
The Death of The Major Oak
After the euphoria of England’s football victory yesterday, it came as a real shock to wake up to the news this morning of the death of England’s heart of oak. The Major Oak in Sherwood Forest, believed to be around 1,200 years old, has reportedly succumbed to the pressures of excessive tourism, according to the Woodland Trust.
I have always loved Sherwood. It is a truly beautiful forest, rich not only in legendary tales but also in wildlife and natural beauty. So, with a heavy heart, I say goodbye to an old friend—one I have had the privilege of visiting several times over the years.
The loss of such an iconic and ancient tree feels like the end of a remarkable chapter in England’s natural heritage. May it continue to inspire future generations through its legacy, stories, and memories.
Robin Hood's Chair Yet Again!
Yes, it's been spotted again!
Regular readers will be familiar with our ongoing search for the distinctive Robin Hood chairs designed by Carmen Dillon and her art department for Walt Disney's 1952 film The Story of Robin Hood. Over the years, these remarkable props have turned up in a surprising number of productions.
Thanks to a sharp-eyed blog reader, one of the chairs has now been identified in a scene from Without a Clue (1988), shown above.
Below is the latest updated list of productions in which these famous chairs have been spotted. If you recognise them in any other films or television programmes, please do get in touch.
The Story of Robin Hood and his Merrie Men (1952)
The Men of Sherwood Forest (Film, 1954)
The Black Knight (Film, 1954)
The Adventures of Robin Hood (TV, 1955–1958)
The Dark Avenger (Film, 1955)
Ivanhoe (TV, 1958) – Episode: The Night Raiders (featuring Joan Rice, who would have remembered these chairs from her time filming at Denham Studios)
Sword of Sherwood Forest (Film, 1960)
Richard the Lionheart (TV, 1962-1963)
Robin of Sherwood (TV, 1984–1986)
The Mission – Stay With Me (Official Music Video, 1986)
Without A Clue (Film, 1988)
Horrible Histories (TV, 2013–2015)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)